TV is stolen from Trenton learning center for the third time in three months, police say

A file photo of the reopening of the Skelton Branch of the Trenton Free Public Library on South Broad Street as the Mayor's Learning Center Library. Michael Mancuso/The Times

TRENTON — For the third time in less than three months, a wide-screen plasma TV bought for one of the city’s learning centers has been stolen, police confirmed today.

The theft from the Briggs Library building on the 1100 block of Greenwood Avenue was reported the afternoon of Jan. 10, according to a police report. There was no evidence of forced entry to the building.

Police spokesman Lt. Steve Varn said the theft remained under investigation. No suspects had been identified and no arrests have been made.

Two big-screen TVs were stolen from the former East Trenton library branch on North Clinton Avenue in late October, likely under the cover of Hurricane Sandy. The power was out and alarm system off in the building when someone came in and dislodged the sets from their wall mounts, police said. No arrests have been made in that case either.

Though the TVs hanging in the East Trenton branch were valued at $3,200 in total, the police report lists the Briggs Library’s 50-inch TV as having a value of $200. Varn said he did not know how police obtained that figure.

A city recreation employee checking the building on Thursday, Jan. 10 discovered the TV missing and called 911. The report was given to a police aide via telephone,
according to the document, and it is unclear whether an officer or detective was sent out.

Community Development Block Grant records show the city spent nearly $12,000 on five 55-inch LED TVs last August and September for the “Mayor’s Learning Centers,” which Mayor Tony Mack created out of four formerly shuttered library buildings last year.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call police at (609) 989-4170, or the Confidential Tip Line at (609) 989-3663.